India’s transmission system is set to undergo a modernisation overhaul as the government accepted a Task Force report recommending solutions to achieve its vision of providing 24×7 reliable and affordable power to the people. The Power Ministry set up a task force under the chairmanship of CMD, POWERGRID to suggest ways for modernisation of the Transmission Sector and making it smart and future-ready.

Recommendations for Modernisation

The Task Force report has recommended the following solutions:

  1. Operation of the grid using Centralised Remote Monitoring
  2. Operation of substations by using modern systems like SCADA, Flexible AC Transmission devices (FACTs)
  3. Wide Area Measurement using PMUs and data analytics
  4. Predictive maintenance using AI/ML algorithms
  5. Deployment of Process Bus-based Protection Automation and Control GIS/Hybrid Substation.

Need for a Modern Transmission System

With India focusing on renewable power which is inherently variable, the transmission system should be capable of dealing with an increased share of renewable capacity in the power-mix. Strong cybersecurity protection is needed for the transmission system in times of increasing cyber crimes. Features like self-correcting systems and data-driven decision-making are needed for ensuring 24×7 availability, which is important for industry.

Challenges

India’s aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses are very high, leading to a shortage of power at the consumer level. Low tariffs and cross-subsidisation result in a wide gap between the average per-unit cost of supply (ACS) and average revenue realised (ARR).

Initiatives by the Government for Improving Access

The government has launched several initiatives to improve access to reliable and affordable power. These include:

  1. KUSUM scheme: The scheme intends to promote the use of solar pumps for agriculture and provides a suitable alternative to the power subsidy model in agriculture.
  2. Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya scheme): It aims to provide last-mile connectivity and power connections to all the unelectrified households in India.
  3. Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY): The rural electrification scheme provides for (a) separation of agriculture and non-agriculture feeders; (b) strengthening and augmentation of sub-transmission and distribution infrastructure in rural areas.

MCQs about Initiatives for Improving Access to Reliable and Affordable Power in India

  1. What is the objective of the KUSUM scheme launched by the Indian government?
    A. To provide last-mile connectivity to all unelectrified households in India
    B. To promote the use of solar pumps for agriculture
    C. To separate agriculture and non-agriculture feeders
    D. To improve the transmission system’s cybersecurity
    Correct Answer: B. To promote the use of solar pumps for agriculture
    Explanation: The KUSUM scheme aims to promote the use of solar pumps for agriculture and provide a suitable alternative to the power subsidy model in agriculture.
  2. What is the primary challenge facing India’s transmission system?
    A. Shortage of power at the consumer level
    B. Lack of renewable energy sources
    C. High tariffs and low subsidies
    D. Insufficient technological infrastructure
    Correct Answer: A. Shortage of power at the consumer level
    Explanation: India’s aggregate technical and commercial losses are very high, leading to a shortage of power at the consumer level.
  3. What is the purpose of the Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)?
    A. To provide last-mile connectivity to all unelectrified households in India
    B. To promote the use of solar pumps for agriculture
    C. To separate agriculture and non-agriculture feeders
    D. To improve the transmission system’s cybersecurity
    Correct Answer: C. To separate agriculture and non-agriculture feeders
    Explanation: The DDUGJY is a rural electrification scheme that provides for the separation of agriculture and non-agriculture feeders and strengthening and augmentation of sub-transmission and distribution infrastructure in rural areas.

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